At a Glance
- Tasks: Grow customer base across Somerset, Dorset, and Avon with face-to-face visits.
- Company: Join a global leader in metals and steel distribution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car or allowance, hybrid working, and structured onboarding.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible working with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Step into a defined prospect pipeline and make a real impact in a growing territory.
- Qualifications: Hands-on SAP experience and proven field sales track record required.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 48400 £ per year.
Hygrove Partners is recruiting on behalf of a global leader in metals and steel distribution for a field-based External Sales / Business Development Manager to grow their South West territory from the Exeter branch.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Exeter branch already has strong coverage across Cornwall and Devon and is now investing in growth across Somerset, Dorset and Avon. This is a genuine development territory with headroom, not a maintenance patch. You will not be expected to arrive with your own customer database - the branch holds researched target customer lists for each of the three counties, so you walk into a defined prospect pipeline from day one.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Grow the customer base across Somerset, Dorset and Avon, working from the branch's target customer lists.
- Plan and deliver a structured programme of face-to-face customer and prospect visits across the territory.
- Build long-term, trust-based relationships with buyers, fabricators, contractors and end users.
- Prepare and follow up quotations, negotiate terms and convert opportunities into ongoing accounts.
- Use SAP to manage pricing, quotations, orders and account records accurately.
- Work closely with internal sales, operations and transport to deliver on customer commitments.
- Feed market intelligence and competitor activity back into the branch to shape strategy.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Hands-on SAP experience is the single most important requirement. The system is complex and internal training capacity is limited, so proven SAP proficiency is valued above industry or product knowledge. Product training is provided through site visits, driver ride-alongs and customer visits.
- Proven field sales or business development track record, ideally in B2B distribution or a trade environment.
- Strong relationship-building skills and a proactive, reliable approach to territory management.
- Self-motivated and comfortable planning your own diary and journey routes across three counties.
- Full UK driving licence.
- A metals or steel industry background is welcome but not essential; an existing customer database is not required.
- Within approximately an hour's commute of Exeter - the search is not limited to the immediate area.
HYBRID WORKING
- Onboarding: 2-3 days per week in the Exeter office to learn the systems, product range and customer base.
- Thereafter: a minimum of 2-3 days per week in the office, with home admin days and territory time flexed around performance and trust.
WHAT IS ON OFFER
- Basic salary up to £45,000.
- Company car, or £5,500 car allowance (company vehicles are transitioning to electric and hybrid models).
- Hybrid working.
- Standard hours 08:30 to 17:00 with a one-hour lunch.
External Sales / Business Development Manager employer: Hygrove Partners Ltd
Join a fast-growing independent air conditioning business that values quality workmanship and reliability, offering a competitive salary package of £40,000 – £50,000. With a flexible engagement model and opportunities for professional growth, you'll work on diverse projects across the Midlands in a supportive environment that encourages independence and client interaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Sales / Business Development Manager
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like External Sales / Business Development Manager at Hygrove Partners Ltd, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Hygrove Partners Ltd. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a External Sales / Business Development Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace External Sales / Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Hygrove Partners Ltd:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Hygrove Partners Ltd. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hygrove Partners Ltd
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Hygrove Partners Ltd that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Hygrove Partners Ltd that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Hygrove Partners Ltd’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
